This chapter introduces students to the importance of developing a ‘sociological imagination’ in order to critically assess the field of cultural studies, including a questioning of the taken-for-granted notion of what ‘culture’ is, where the concept comes from, and who might benefit from the use of such a concept. In doing so, the chapter highlights the historical development of the topic through cultural scholars including Matthew Arnold, F. R. Leavis, Raymond Williams, Pierre Bourdieu and Dick Hebdige, alongside introducing some of the key concepts and debates that will appear throughout the textbook, such as ‘cultural text’ and the heated discussion over ‘high’ and ‘low’—or popular—culture. This is followed by a brief introduction to the overarching structure of the book, the key study aids available in each chapter, and the way in which students can best utilise this book to facilitate their learning.